Authorities in the north eastern state manipur are in talks for the safe release of the civilians who are being detained by armed groups in recent violence in parts of the state, officials said on Saturday.
Talks are underway between the civil societies, state and local government, security forces and Kuki/Naga community leaders to secure the release of the remaining hostages, police and administrative sources said.
Over the past two days, 31 of the almost 38 civilians from Kuki and Naga ethnic groups have been rescued and released in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts. The hostages will be held in unknown locations, following the attacks on civilians by armed militants earlier in this week; according to reports of the attacks.
The violence started in response to alleged killings of three evangelists and injuries to four others in Kangpokpi district on Wednesday by suspected militants. In another incident in Noney district, one civilian was killed and his wife injured in another armed attack.
Many are released safely, police said “concerted efforts” by the administration, security forces, political representatives and local community organisations helped ensure the release of many safely.
It is said 12 Naga women from Konsakhul village and several Kuki women, males civilians have been freed along with two Salesian brothers linked to Don Bosco institutions, one from Nagaland.
Authorities said, however, that their work was done when security forces are on high alert and the talks are ongoing to release the remaining captives without bloodshed. The clashes again bring to the fore the precarious security scenario in Manipur and the prevailing ethnic conflict.